JBL Vibe Beam Review: Big Bass on a Budget?

JBL Vibe Beam

In the crowded market of true wireless earbuds, it takes a lot to stand out, especially in the budget-friendly category. JBL, a brand synonymous with powerful audio, throws its hat in the ring with the Vibe Beam. Promising their signature “Deep Bass Sound,” a comfortable fit, and all-day battery life, these earbuds aim to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag. But do they hit the mark, or are they just another pair of forgettable buds? We put the JBL Vibe Beam to the test to find out.

Specs at a Glance

Key Features

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are packed with features that are impressive for their price point. The JBL Deep Bass Sound is immediately noticeable, providing a rich and powerful low-end that bass lovers will appreciate.

The Smart Ambient technology is a standout feature, with two modes: Ambient Aware and TalkThru. Ambient Aware allows you to hear your surroundings while your music continues to play, perfect for staying safe while running on city streets. TalkThru, on the other hand, lowers your music volume and amplifies voices, so you can have a quick conversation without taking your earbuds out.

The JBL Headphones App unlocks a new level of customization. You can tweak the EQ to your liking, choose from preset sound profiles, and even locate your earbuds if you misplace them.

For those who are always on the go, the IP54 dust and water resistance for the earbuds and IPX2 rating for the case provide peace of mind, whether you’re at the gym or caught in a light rain shower.

Who Are They Best For?

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a fantastic choice for a few key demographics:

• The Budget-Conscious Buyer: If you’re looking for a reliable pair of true wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Vibe Beam should be at the top of your list. They offer a feature set that is usually found in more expensive models.
• The Everyday Commuter: With a long battery life, comfortable fit, and the Smart Ambient feature, these earbuds are perfect for your daily travels. They’re also small and light, making them easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
• The Fitness Enthusiast: The secure fit and sweat resistance make the Vibe Beam a great companion for workouts. They’ll stay in place during a run or a gym session, and you won’t have to worry about a little sweat damaging them.
• The Bass Head: If you love music with a strong bassline, the JBL Deep Bass Sound will not disappoint. These earbuds deliver a punchy and immersive listening experience.

Who Won’t Like Them?

Despite their many strengths, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds aren’t for everyone:

• The Audiophile: If you’re a stickler for pristine, perfectly balanced audio, you might find the bass on the Vibe Beam to be a bit overpowering. While the app’s EQ can help, these are definitely tuned for a more mainstream, bass-heavy sound.
• Those Needing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The Vibe Beam earbuds offer good passive noise isolation due to their in-ear design, but they do not have ANC. If you need to block out the world completely, you’ll want to look at other options.
• Users with Smaller Ears: While the earbuds come with three different tip sizes, some users with smaller ears have reported that the “stick” design can feel a bit bulky and may not be as secure.

Q & A

Q: How is the call quality on the JBL Vibe Beam?

A: The call quality is decent for a budget pair of earbuds. The VoiceAware feature lets you control how much of your own voice you hear during calls, which is a nice touch. In quiet environments, your voice will come through clearly. However, in noisy surroundings, the microphone can pick up some background noise.

Q: Can I use just one earbud at a time?

A: Yes, you can use either the left or the right earbud independently for music or calls.

Q: Do the earbuds have touch controls?

A: Yes, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds feature touch controls. You can tap to play/pause music, answer calls, and access the Smart Ambient features. However, some users have found the touch controls to be a bit sensitive.

Q: What comes in the box?

A: In the box, you’ll find the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds, a charging case, a USB Type-C charging cable, three sizes of eartips, and the warranty/warning information.

Q: Are there any common issues with the JBL Vibe Beam?

A: Some users have reported occasional charging issues where one earbud doesn’t charge properly in the case. This can often be resolved by cleaning the charging contacts on both the earbuds and the case.

The Verdict

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds offer exceptional value for their price. They deliver on their promise of powerful bass, a comfortable fit for most, and a host of useful features that enhance the listening experience. While they may not satisfy the most discerning audiophiles or those in need of true noise cancellation, they are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-packed, and affordable pair of true wireless earbuds.

If you are interested in learning more about the JBL Vibe Beam Earbuds, visit the JBL website

If you are interested in learning about other earbuds, be sure to visit our Wearable Tech Section